Track power distribution through points issue

[Chrissaf]

Think of each point as a light switch. When it is selected one way the power flows that way. When it is selected the other way the power follows the selection, but this depends upon where the power connection from the controller is relative to the point or points.

 

You may have to reposition your power clip or link wires. One thing to ne creful of with the link wires is to match A and B from loop to loop.

 

Have the read the Getting Started with Track Extensions Guide in the sticky post at the top of the General Section page. This explains how to wire various trainset trackplans.

[Chrissaf]

Can I ask a really dumb sounding question on this discussion - it betrays my lack of understanding of electric curcuits, I'm afraid. I have a simple two- loop layout on a 9ft x 5ft board, joined by points on one side either end of the station "straight" and with another single point leading to a siding on the other, inner loop facing straight section.

All works well apart from the siding. When the point is switched to feed the siding, the loco(s) stop dead as soon as the wheels cross the siding.

I have two controllers, each with clips feeding the outer and inner loops and I have tried linking the inner loop to the siding with another "A B" power clip link.

What am I doing wrong?

[Chrissaf]

It is always difficult to convert someone else's word picture into an actual drawing. So this is my interpretation of what you have written in text.

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If my drawing is not what you meant, then please do try and correct my understanding in your next reply. Ideally if possible in the form of a posted image sketch (using the Black & White Hill icon between the tree and smiley face icons - publishing the image will be delayed pending admin image approval).

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The difference being, that I have shown the controller connections in what I would consider the optimum connection locations and may not necessarily match where you have them actually connected. I have also shown where I would (if this was my layout) include Insulated Rail Joiners to separate the two controller power districts.

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As Rob said above, points act as switches.

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Hornby points are made as 'isolating points' this means that they act as electrical switches to route the track power from the controller into the direction / route that the points are switched to. Thus, this also means that the route that the point is not switched to may loose power if there is no alternative power path.

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For maximum unbroken power distribution, power from the controller should always be fed into the 'Toe' [common] end of ALL of the points. If you follow my blue and green arrows you will see that the power is fed into all the 'Toe' ends of the points indicated by the letter T

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Note also, that the condition of the points becomes critical to ensure reliable power distribution. The power transfer through a point is reliant upon the mechanical / physical contact areas between the fixed and moving rails. When these become, loose, tarnished or just dirty the transference of power can be compromised.

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This can be particularly noticeable on older points made of steel rails [rather than modern Nickle Silver] and can be a reason why these points come up for sale on the second-hand market. In my view [not everyone agrees with me on this view] buying old second-hand steel railed points is a false economy for the reasons I have just described.

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Now your posted text included this line:

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When the point is switched to feed the siding, the loco(s) stop dead as soon as the wheels cross the siding.

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To me, this means that power is present on the track leading into the 'Toe' of the siding point (circled in a dotted line). Therefore, for the loco to stop as it crosses this point to enter the siding can only mean that the point is not switching the power into the siding route. It would appear that the electrical conductivity through the point is compromised (faulty). Make sure that the contact areas where the moving rails touch the fixed rails is spotlessly clean and shiny and in good physical firm contact. That is to say that the moving rails are not sloppy or loose.

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